March 06, Sonora, Calif. / Cessna 182

At 1220 Pacific time, a Cessna 182E collided with obstacles during an off-airport forced landing following loss of engine power. The pilot and passenger were not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. While establishing a cruise configuration, the engine began to lose power, ran intermittently and then stopped. The pilot thought that the accident could have been prevented if he had accurately checked the fuel quantity prior to departure.